Saturday, December 01, 2012

English Notebook: Two

Loop is a yarn shop–the English often say "wool shop"–in a London neighborhood called Islington, on a sort of street called "Camden Passage."

When they call it a passage they aren't trying to be cute. Look.

It's exactly that–a narrow passage between old, low buildings. Most of Loop's neighbors sell antiques, and on certain days of the week the streets around fill up with more antiques dealers.

This is the Loop classroom. It holds eight, including the teacher. If you're going to teach at Loop it helps to be small and/or short.

Loop's owner, Susan, has a gift–there is no other word for it–for arranging her stock in beautiful and unexpected ways. You don't just see the pretty things, you feel inspired to take them home and play with them. Before classes began, I had the place to myself and spent the time drinking it in.

I was so enchanted I wanted a picture of me in the shop, as a souvenir.

The students were lovely. We gathered around the table and had tea and little pecan tarts, and played with at lace and old patterns. The day flew.

To top it all off, I had the pleasure of the company of Jean, whose work and words I've admired almost since the day I began writing this blog. She knits everything, but it's her lace that first grabbed my attention, and I doubt I could have finished my first major piece of lace without her. She alerted me to Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting, and to Bridget Rorem's lace alphabet.

Jean came all the way from Scotland to meet me at Loop. I was almost too shy to ask if she'd have a picture with me after class. (My first impulse, on seeing her coming down the stairs, was to run over and hug her in shameless American fashion.) But I spoke up, and she obliged.

If you're one of Jean's fans, I can now tell you with certainty that she every bit as witty, sharp and fun as you'd think from reading her blog. I have a good mind to find a way to get up to Scotland and stalk her in her natural habitat. Fair warning, Jean. (And thank you.)

If you find yourself in London, you probably ought to go to Loop. Really, you ought.

*sigh* What beautiful words and pics. I had a mini-break in London a couple of months ago and made sure I visited Loop. Luckily I had limited luggage (and money) with me, otherwise I would have bought half of what's in there...

Loop is indeed the King Tut's tomb of wool - many wonderful things! Did you spot the tiny spools of musk-ox wool om the counter, a mere £60 for something you could tuck in your cheek like a hamster? I wonder if you went to Ally Pally for the knitting show....

I had a chance to visit the Loop while I was in London far too briefly this summer, and it felt like fishing in a jewel box-- everything in exquisite taste, although, alas, much of it beyond my humble means! And I have never seen such an incredible assortment of Jamieson & Smith colours. Their button collection is stunning.

Just to dot the final 'I'....do you know about the LIVE broadcast of The Festival etc from King's College on 12/24 at 9am CST? On NPR? It's my Carved in Stone thing to do on 12/24. It's wonderful to know people from all over the world and you are experiencing the same heart-breakingly beautiful music at the same time.

What is the name of the pattern for the shawl(?) in a brownish yarn at the top of the fourth photo (loop-chair)? It's multidirectional garter and stockinette stitch and I really want to see the whole thing!

oh wow! thank you for this post. i own a wool-shop and love seeing inspirational pics of other cool shops. you look so happy in your photo with Jean! are those needles in the jars for sale or just decoration? very fun post. i woul love to visit Loop someday :D

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